Fans mark 25th anniversary of Lennon's murder

Beatles fans gathered today for a series of events to mark the 25th anniversary of John Lennon’s death.

More than 1,000 tributes to the music legend were attached to white balloons and released in his home city of Liverpool.

The messages, which included emails from across the globe, were written by anyone who wanted to pay homage.

As night fell Lennon’s image was projected on to a large tunnel ventilation shaft at the city’s docks.

A civic service was held at Liverpool Parish Church featuring speakers including Bill Harry, founder of the Mersey Beat newspaper which covered Liverpool’s swinging music scene during the 1960s. Current pupils from Lennon’s former schools – Dovedale Juniors and Calderstones School – laid flowers and there was also a solo rendition of the Lennon song Beautiful Boy and choral versions of All You Need Is Love, In My Life and Happy Christmas (War Is Over).

After the service, a book of commemoration was opened for members of the public to sign.

Earlier in the day a short service was held at John Lennon’s statue in Mathew Street in Liverpool – the home of the world famous Cavern Club where The Beatles played.

Members of the Liverpool Beatles Appreciation Society laid flowers at the statue and said a short prayer for peace.

Lennon’ fans Anna Javier and her husband Jean travelled from Madrid for the event.

She said: “We are huge fans of the Beatles and just wanted to be here in Liverpool to remember him.”

Tom Sergeant, 70, from Melling, Merseyside, added: “I remember hearing the news that John had died.

“I was at home, it was just such a shock. I think it is a great thing that he is still held in such high esteem and that people hold events like this to remember just how great his music was.”

Liverpool’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Alan Dean, said: “His influence on his and future generations is immense. Not only did he help change perceptions of Liverpool around the world – he and the Beatles changed the aspirations of young working class kids all over the world, showing that if you’ve got ability you can go anywhere.

“Few people in his position used their fame to stand up against injustices and to spread the message of love and peace in the way he did.

“His political stances have influenced modern musicians such as Bono and Bob Geldolf and I’m sure John would be a great advocate for the developing world if he were still alive today.”

Lennon was shot dead outside his New York apartment block, the Dakota Building, by crazed fan Mark Chapman on December 8, 1980. He had earlier signed a copy of his Double Fantasy album for Chapman, who waited for him to return home before shooting him four times.

Chapman remains in New York’s Attica state prison, where his third request for parole was denied in October.

In America, fans brought flowers, candles and their own bittersweet memories as they held their own tribute in New York.

Fans were holding a moment of silence at 10:50pm on Thursday – the time he was shot – and again at 11:15 – the time he is believed to have died. Despite protests, city officials planned to close the park at 1am, as they have for several years.

In London, a one-minute silence was held in memory of Lennon and a shrine featuring Beatles’ memorabilia was unveiled at the Virgin Megastore in Oxford Street.